Dr. Howard L. Sparks

I was unaware that Howard had passed away until today 10/30/05. I am very sorry for your loss. Howard and I became acquainted while researching the Sparks family. His grandfather,Edgar Sparks was my grandmother Bertha (Sparks)Dillinger's oldest brother. It was a pleasure working with him and learning about my grandmother's family. We recently found some old family photographs at my aunt's home that I wanted to send to Howard. I tried calling this morning to see if his address was still...

I do not know where to begin, Howard made such an inpact on my life when he first came to RPI-VCU during my undergraduate years. I was assigned to him for "work study". He taught me to believe in myself. He was my "mentor and good friend" and we stayed in contact throught the years. I could tell so many wonderful stories that occurred throughout my undergraduate and graduate program in Education. He talked me into switching majors from Elementary Education to Special Education, which I have...

I have many fond memories of Dr. Sparks during his tenure at VCU. My sincere condolences to his family.

Howard was so much more than a colleague and fellow educator. Though it was our fields of interest that brought us together, our friendship transcended career concerns, and he became one of my most cherished friends. I have wonderful memories of the trip to Puerto Rico that I shared with Howard and his delightful wife, Shirley and his staff from VCU. Through innumerable lunches, dinners, and get-togethers, I came to know Howard as a sincere, intelligent, dry-witted, caring man whom I will...